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Assessing and Managing Chemicals under TSCA

TSCA Section 4 Test Orders

Section 4 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) allows EPA to require chemical manufacturers (including importers) and processors to develop information on existing chemicals and submit such information to EPA.  

On this page: 


Overview of Section 4 Test Orders 

Under section 4(a)(1), EPA may issue an order requiring the development of information on a chemical if EPA finds that the chemical may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment and such information is needed to determine whether the chemical presents such an unreasonable risk.  

EPA may also issue an order under section 4(a)(2) requiring the development of information: 

  • to review a notice submitted under TSCA section 5 or to perform a risk evaluation under TSCA section 6(b); 
  • to implement a requirement imposed in a rule, order, or consent agreement under TSCA section 5(e) or (f), or in a rule promulgated under section 6(a); 
  • at the request of a Federal implementing authority under another Federal law, to meet the regulatory testing needs of that authority with regard to toxicity and exposure; 
  • to determine if a chemical substance or mixture manufactured, processed, or distributed in commerce solely for export presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment in the U.S., pursuant to TSCA section 12(a)(2); and 
  • to prioritize a chemical substance under TSCA section 6(b) (subject to certain limitations). 

View a webinar providing information for entities subject to orders under EPA’s TSCA Section 4(a)(2) authority, including an overview of the issuance of test orders, responding to a test order, building consortia, and applicable TSCA fees.Exit

Find reference guides on Test Order reporting via the CDX web platform.

List of Chemicals Subject to Section 4 Test Orders 

Since the 2016 Lautenberg Act amendments to TSCA, EPA has issued section 4 test orders for the following list of chemicals. Copies of the test orders can be found in the dockets linked below.

Chemical Name CAS Number Chemical Uses Docket Number Test Order and Effective Date Testing Required Title of Study Received by EPA
Anthra[2,1,9-def:6,5,10-d'e'f']diisoquinoline-1,3,8,10(2H,9H)-tetrone or C.I.
Pigment Violet 29
81-33-4 1) As intermediate to make or adjust other perylene pigments
2) Incorporation in paints and coatings primarily in the automobile industry
3) Incorporation in plastic and rubber products primarily in automobiles and industrial carpeting
4)  Merchant ink for commercial printing
5) Consumer watercolor and artistic color
EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0070 March 4, 2020 solubility testing and occupational exposure monitoring  Water solubility; Octanol solubility; Occupational Inhalation Exposure: Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated, Respirable

1,1-Dichloroethane

75-34-3

1) As intermediate in all other basic organic chemical manufacturing
2) As intermediate in all other chemical product and preparation manufacturing
3) Commercial laboratory chemical

EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0426

January 19, 2021

Environmental Hazard Testing (OECD 233), and facility-specific Occupational Exposure Testing (NIOSH Method 1003; OECD 428; Dermal Hand Wipe Sampling)

1,2-Dichloroethane

107-06-2

1) As intermediate in: Petrochemical manufacturing; Plastic material and resin manufacturing; All other basic organic chemical manufacturing
2) Incorporation in fuels and fuel additives: All other petroleum and coal products manufacturing
3) Incorporation in processing aids specific to petroleum production
4) Industrial adhesives and sealants
5) Industrial functional fluids (closed systems) as heat transferring agent
6) Industrial paste lubricants and greases
7) Industrial oxidation inhibitor in controlled oxidative chemical reactions
8) A component of industrial degreasing and cleaning solvents
9) Commercial plastic and rubber products
10) Commercial fuels and related products
11) Commercial laboratory chemical (e.g., reagent)
12) Commercial embalming agent
13) Consumer plastic and rubber products

EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0427

January 19, 2021

Facility-specific Occupational Exposure Testing (NIOSH Method 1003; OECD 428; Dermal Hand Wipe Sampling)

1,1,2-Trichloroethane

79-00-5

1) Intermediate in: Plastic manufacturing; Petrochemical manufacturing; All other chemical product manufacturing
2) Industrial, commercial, and consumer adhesives and sealants
3) Commercial laboratory chemicals

EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0421

January 19, 2021

Environmental Hazard Testing (OECD 233), and facility-specific Occupational Exposure Testing (NIOSH Method 1003; OECD 428; Dermal Hand Wipe Sampling)

trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene

156-60-5

1) Reactant in plating agents and surface treating agents
2) Intermediate in chemical product and preparation manufacturing
3) Incorporation in solvents for cleaning or degreasing
4)Incorporation in solvents which become part of product formulation or mixture
5) Incorporation in adhesives and sealant chemicals
6) Incorporation in foam blowing additive
7) Incorporation in carrier solvent in adhesives, coatings, inks, lubricants, and silicones
8) Incorporation in articles: propellant and blowing agent in plastics product manufacturing; flexible polyurethane foam manufacturing
9) Industrial/commercial solvent: vapor degreaser
10) Industrial/commercial solvent: aerosol spray cleaner/degreaser
11) Industrial/commercial solvent: non-aerosol cleaner/degreaser
12) Industrial/commercial solvent: flux remover (liquid and aerosol)
13) Industrial/commercial cleaning and furnishing care products: spot cleaner; stain remover
14) Industrial/commercial functional fluids (open systems): smoothing fluid in additive manufacturing
15) Industrial/commercial anti-adhesive agent: mold release
16) Industrial/commercial solvents: urethane coatings
17) Industrial/commercial liquid and spray lubricants and greases, and penetrating lubricants
18) Industrial/commercial solvent-based adhesives and sealants; adhesive accelerant
19) Industrial/commercial functional fluids (closed systems): refrigerant
20) Industrial/commercial extraction solvent for thermoplastics
21) Industrial/commercial laboratory chemicals
22) Commercial and consumer propellants and blowing agents particularly in polyurethane foam building insulation
23) Commercial solvent for cleaning or degreasing: refrigerant flush
24) Consumer solvent for cleaning or degreasing: aerosol degreaser
25) Consumer adhesive accelerant

EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0465

January 19, 2021

Facility-specific Occupational Exposure Testing (NIOSH Method 1003; OECD 428; Dermal Hand Wipe Sampling)

1,2-Dichloropropane

78-87-5

1) As intermediate in all other basic organic chemical manufacturing
2) Incorporation in all other chemical product and preparation manufacturing
3) Industrial processing aids, not otherwise listed
4) Commercial laboratory chemicals
5) Commercial cleaning and furnishing care product: all-purpose liquid spray cleaner; all-purpose waxes and polishes; all-purpose liquid cleaner/polish
6) Consumer cleaning and furnishing care product: all-purpose liquid spray cleaner; all-purpose waxes and polishes; all-purpose liquid cleaner/polish

EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0428

January 19, 2021

Environmental Hazard Testing (OECD 233), and facility-specific Occupational Exposure Testing (NIOSH Method 1003; OECD 428; Dermal Hand Wipe Sampling)

o-Dichlorobenzene

95-50-1

1) Processing as a reactant in all other chemical product and preparation manufacturing
2) Processing as an intermediate in all other basic organic chemical manufacturing
3) Incorporation as a solvent (which become part of product formulation or mixture) in plastic material and resin manufacturing; petroleum lubricating oil and grease manufacturing; all other chemical product and preparation manufacturing
4) Incorporation as processing aid in soap, cleaning compound, and toilet preparation manufacturing
5) Industrial solvents (which become part of product formulation or mixture) in Printing ink manufacturing; Paint and coating manufacturing; Synthetic dye and pigment manufacturing; All other basic organic chemical manufacturing
6) Industrial functional fluids (closed system): all other basic organic chemical manufacturing
7) Commercial ink and toners
8) Commercial coatings and paints, thinners, and paint removers
9) Commercial and consumer lubricants and greases (e.g., oil additives, degreasers, penetrant for pneumatic tools)
10) Commercial and consumer fuel additive for gasoline and diesel
11) Commercial and consumer continuous action air fresheners (including toilet/urinal deodorizers/fresheners)
12) Commercial laboratory chemicals
13) Commercial and consumer sheep-branding fluid; cleaning and furnishing care products
15) Consumer thinners (Products for cleaning brushes and tools used with overglazes)

EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0444

January 19, 2021

Environmental Hazard Testing (OPPTS 850.1735; OECD 233) and facility-specific Occupational Exposure Testing (NIOSH Method 1003; OECD 428; Dermal Hand Wipe Sampling)

p-Dichlorobenzene

106-46-7

1) As intermediate in plastic material and resin manufacturing; all other basic organic chemical manufacturing
2) Incorporation in intermediate in plastic material and resin manufacturing (including PPS, high performance plastics)
3) Incorporation in solvents ((which become part of product formulation or mixture) in Plastic material and resin manufacturing); Petroleum lubricating oil and grease manufacturing; All other chemical product and preparation manufacturing
4) Incorporation in Odor agents in Soap, cleaning compound, and toilet preparation manufacturing (e.g. urinal block, toilet/garbage deodorizers)
5) Incorporation into articles including plastic product manufacturing
6) Industrial solvents (which become part of product formulation or mixture) in synthetic dye and pigment manufacturing
7) Industrial functional fluids (closed system) in all other basic organic chemical manufacturing
8) Commercial continuous action air fresheners (including toilet/urinal/garbage deodorizers/fresheners), cleaning and furnishing care uses
9) Commercial lubricants and greases, degreasers (for oil additives for engines and pneumatic tools)
10) Commercial fuel additive for gasoline and diesel
11) Commercial laboratory chemicals and analytical uses, embalming uses
12) Commercial and consumer building and construction products e.g., plastic foam insulation, foam sealant
13) Consumer continuous action air fresheners (including toilet/urinal deodorizers/fresheners)
14) Consumer lubricants and greases (greases and oils for engines, gears and pneumatic tools)
15) Consumer fuel additive for gasoline and diesel

EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0446

January 19, 2021

Environmental Hazard Testing (OPPTS 850.1735; OECD 233), and facility-specific Occupational Exposure Testing (NIOSH Method 1003; OECD 428; Dermal Hand Wipe Sampling)

Phosphoric acid, Triphenyl Ester

115-86-6

1) Incorporation in flame retardant used in all other chemical product and preparation manufacturing
2) Incorporation in flame retardant used in computer and electronic product manufacturing
3) Incorporation in flame retardant used in plastics material and resin manufacturing
4) Incorporation in plasticizer and flame retardant used in plastic product manufacturing
5) Incorporation in flame retardant used in rubber product manufacturing
6) Incorporation in flame retardant used in textiles, apparel, and leather manufacturing
7) Incorporation in flame retardant used in utilities
8) Incorporation in paint additive and coating additive used in paint and coating manufacturing
9) Incorporation in paint additive and coating additive used in paint and coating manufacturing
10) Incorporation in flame retardant used in furniture and related product manufacturing
11) Incorporation in flame retardant used in furniture and related product manufacturing
12) Incorporation in flame retardant used in operational fluids, maintenance fluids and semisolids, reactive fluids, and solids used in aerospace industry
13) Incorporation in flame retardant used in turbine engine oils in aviation
14) Incorporation in flame retardant used in turbine engine oils in non-aviation industries
15) Incorporation in flame retardant in lubricants and greases
16) Incorporation into article: flame retardant used in plastics material and resin manufacturing; plasticizer used in plastics product manufacturing; flame retardant used in furniture and related product manufacturing
17) Industrial/commercial paints and coatings
18) Industrial, commercial, and consumer plastic and rubber products not covered elsewhere
19) Industrial/commercial laboratory chemical
20) Industrial, commercial, and consumer lubricants and greases
21) Industrial/commercial operational fluids, maintenance fluids and semisolids, reactive fluids, and solids used in aerospace industry
22) Industrial/commercial turbine engine oils used in aviation
23) Industrial/commercial turbine engine oils used in non-aviation industries
24) Industrial, commercial, and consumer electrical and electronic products
25) Industrial, commercial, and consumer foam seating and bedding products
26) Industrial/commercial furniture and furnishings not covered elsewhere

EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0458

January 19, 2021

Environmental Hazard Testing (OCSPP 850.4400; OCSPP 850.4500; OECD 225; OECD 233; OECD 222), and facility-specific Occupational Exposure Testing (Inhalation Monitoring; Dermal Hand Wipe Sampling; OECD 428)

4,4’-(1-Methylethylidene)bis[2,6-dibromophenol]

79-94-7

1) Processing as a reactant for flame retardants in plastic material and resin manufacturing
2) Processing as a reactant for intermediates in other chemical product and preparation manufacturing
3) Incorporation into a formulation, mixture or reaction product for flame retardants: electrical equipment, appliance and component manufacturing; plastic material and resin manufacturing; plastics product manufacturing; computer and electronic product manufacturing
4) Incorporation into a formulation, mixture or reaction product for adhesive manufacturing
5) Incorporation as reactive flame retardant in printed circuit boards and semiconductor packages
6) Incorporation as reactive flame retardant in interior material for transportation equipment
7) Incorporation as additive flame retardant in plastic electronic enclosures
8) Electronic product recycling
9) Industrial, commercial, and consumer electrical and electronic products (e.g., reactive flame retardant)
10) Industrial/commercial laminate (e.g., reactive flame retardant in prepreg material for automotive and aviation interiors)
11) Industrial, commercial, and consumer electrical and electronic products (e.g., additive flame retardant in plastic enclosures)
12) Industrial/commercial building/construction materials not covered elsewhere
13) Industrial, commercial and consumer use in batteries (e.g., adhesive in lead-acid battery casings)
14) Industrial, commercial, and consumer furnishing, cleaning, and treatment/care products: fabric, textile, and leather products not covered elsewhere
15) Industrial/commercial laboratory chemical

EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0462

January 19, 2021

Environmental Hazard Testing (OCSPP 850.4400; OECD 225; OECD 233), and facility-specific Occupational Exposure Testing (Inhalation Monitoring; Dermal Hand Wipe Sampling; OECD 428)